Long term continuance sailing contract is concluded with Kobe Steel.

June 15, 2018

Conclusion of a long-term consecutive voyage agreement with Kobe Steel

Asahi Shipping has, together with Nippon Yusen Kaisha, jointly concluded a long-term consecutive voyage agreement for the transport of coal with Kobe Steel, Ltd. The ship allocated to this agreement will be completed in 2021 by Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and employed in the transport of coal from overseas ports mainly to Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture for a maximum of 20 years.

The ship will be an advanced ship that conforms to the environmental regulations. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollutions from Ships sets forth three-tiered nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission regulations that reduce such emissions by 80% compared to 2000 in order to reduce the air pollution caused by NOx. This ship will be equipped with a diesel engine that conforms to the regulations.

Asahi Shipping will utilize its wealth of operational experience for Kobe Steel and maritime expertise as a dedicated bulk shipping line when operating the new ship, aim to reduce the burden on the environment and contribute to realizing a sustainable regional society.

On March 22, 2018, the Asahi Maru owned by Asahi Shipping was completed by Sasebo Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.At the naming ceremony held on March 9 and attended by members of Kobe Steel, President and CEO Hiroya Kawasaki of Kobe Steel named the ship Asahi Maru, and his wife cut the ribbon.

The ship will replace the existing Asahi Maru, which hauled coal for Kobe Steel over many years, and it will also be employed in the transport of coal for Kobe Steel.In order to increase the familiarity among everyone in the local community, the ship’s mother port has been registered as Kakogawa.Asahi Shipping will work to provide safe, stable and secure transportation of raw materials for Kobe Steel using a fleet of thoroughly quality controlled, including the new Asahi Maru.

On the maiden voyage, coal was loaded on the east coast of Australia, and on April 28, the ship made the first port of call at Kobe Steel’s Kakogawa Works.

The Asahi Maru is the largest class of ships that can dock fully loaded anytime at the Kakogawa Work’s coal pier. In addition, it is a cutting edge energy efficient ship with an energy efficient bow shape, energy efficient stern fin and electronically controlled engine.